Revolve24 bolsters line-up with over 48 hours of cycling action

Revolve24, the 24-hour cycling endurance challenge hosted on the UK’s favourite motor circuit, Brands Hatch, on 14-16 September has expanded its 2018 programme to offer over 48 hours of cycling action.

The expanding 24-hour cycling event, which last year attracted over 600 soloists, duos and team riders, is now in its fourth year. The 2018 weekend line-up also includes the UK’s first ever dedicated eMTB event, the inaugural 12+12 event, the British Cycling Youth Circuit Finals, plus firm favourites, the 6-hour and 12-hour track challenges.

New for 2018, Friday’s Revolve12+12 race sponsored by clothing supplier KALAS creates a ‘strategic challenge that’s never been seen before’. Here, teams of four male/female riders compete in a part-4UP TTT, part-road race, with all teams starting together on the track to complete 12 laps of the GP circuit and 12 laps of the Indy circuit – a total of 70km.

The teams complete the laps in whichever order they wish, with the fourth rider crossing the finish line counting as the finishing time for the team. This rule, added to the physical toughness, means that teams may not know where they are in the race until the final lap – even the final corner and sprint to the line. As the organisers point out, strategy is key and the element of the unknown opens up the field.

Recognising how fast the e-bike industry is growing, Revolve24 is also centre stage for the UK’s first dedicated eMTB event. The two-stage ride takes place in and around the Brands Hatch venue, running parallel to, and sometimes over, the GP circuit. A qualifying lap is followed by a 6hr team endurance challenge that will provide a test for the riders, bikes and batteries! The event is open to males and female soloists, duos and teams of four.

Britain’s best young riders will also be able to enjoy the challenge of the circuits as Revolve hosts the final event in British Cycling Youth Cycling Series. U16 and U14 Girls and Boys will be able to experience some of the best racing conditions in the UK with family and friends (and the Revolve crowd) cheering them on.

The organisers point out that the 24-hour endurance track event ‘remains Holy Grail in the endurance cycling calendar. Tough climbs on the safe, smooth circuit accompany descents, while the Brands Hatch pit garages offer warmth, electricity and camaraderie through the early hours. Each 3.9km (2.4 miles) lap of the GP circuit includes 64m (210 feet) of climbing. Last year 83 soloists showed super-human stamina as they rode distances of up to 462 miles.

Revolve24 also plays host to hundreds of team riders, both seasoned and novice, as they meet a personal challenge or raise money for their favourite charities. In 2017 the teams cycled 103,058km in total during the weekend, climbing 1,648,048m in doing so.

Over the weekend, the free Revolve24 App (iOS/Android) will provide team captains and spectators with real-time tracking of riders. There are a host of other competitions too; King and Queen of the Mountains, fastest lap, sprints and rider categories.

Revolve24 offers a team-matching service to put individuals and smaller groups together into bigger squads. Camping and campervan space is available for riders and spectators the whole weekend.

Entry fee includes track time, professional timing system with live race tracking, British Cycling Insurance, shared use of a pit garage, two nights’ camping and parking, 24hr access to tea, coffee, water and snacks, access to shower facilities, Wi-Fi and charging points for lights and devices.

Revolve24 encourages charity rides and has linked up with several charities to offer official places at £75 (24hr Challenge) £50 (12hr Challenge) and £25 (6hr Challenge).

This year Revolve24 expanded into Australia. The inaugural event took place on 13-14 January 2018 at the new AU$100 million Bend Motorsport Park in Adelaide. Revolve24 Australia was the first event to be held at the track and was an associated event for the Santos Tour Down Under.

Early bird prices for Revolve24 in the UK are available until 28 February 2018.